2025 schedule

This is a high-level schedule of activities for the 2025 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC). Want to receive event-related SMS updates? Click here.

Thursday, May 15

  • Afternoon/Evening: Arrivals @ MEM and Hotel

  • 12:00pm: Credential pickup begins in reserved room off hotel lobby

    • If you are not staying at the hotel, credentials will be ready for you at Memphis In May Will Call, as you are entering Liberty Park.

  • 4:30pm: Event transportation begins (for more about shuttles, click here)

  • 6:00pm: “A Taste of Tennessee” Welcome Reception at McCormick Hospitality Tent

  • 7:00pm: Awards Ceremony, Miss Piggie Idol at Cattlemen’s Main Stage

  • 8:00pm: Lil Wyte & Justin Time at Cattlemen’s Main Stage

  • 9:00pm: Transportation to hotel

Friday, may 16

  • Morning: Breakfast on your own

  • 10:30am: Event transportation begins

  • 11:00am: Event gates open

  • 12:00pm: Live Grilling Demo by McCormick Culinary Team

  • 1:30pm: Hog Crawl at Various Team Tents throughout WCBCC

  • 5:30pm: Flavor Forecast Dinner at McCormick Hospitality Tent

  • 7:00pm: Awards Ceremony, Ancillaries at Cattlemen’s Main Stage

  • 8:30pm: The Bar-Kays at Cattlemen’s Main Stage

  • 10:00pm: Transportation to hotel

  • 12:00am: Event gates close

Saturday, May 17

  • Early Morning: Breakfast on your own

  • 9:30am: Transportation from hotel begins

  • 10:00am: Event gates open

  • 10-11:00am: Breakfast/Brunch & Bloody Marys at Hospitality Tent

  • 11:00am: Onsite judging begins for Bone Appétit; attendees step outside tent

  • 12:00pm: BBQ Alley (lunch) at WCBCC; pick up tickets at Hospitality Tent

  • 3:00pm: McCormick Hospitality Tent closes

  • 3:30pm: Transportation to hotel

  • 7:00pm: Awards Ceremony, Finals at Cattlemen’s Main Stage

  • 8:30pm: DJ Mike Tee at Cattlemen’s Main Stage